Tool heads for cutting tools

Abstract

A tool head of a cutting tool, comprising a first frame, a first arm, a second arm, a second frame and a trip lever, wherein the first frame has a base, the first arm extends from the base and has a first distal portion, the first distal portion of the first arm has a plurality of sharp teeth separated by a first gap, the second arm extends from the base and has a second distal portion, the second frame is hingedly connected to the first arm at the first distal portion by a first pin, and is configured to rotate between a frame closed position and a frame open position, the second frame extends between the first arm and the second arm in the frame closed position, the trip lever is hingedly connected to the first arm at the first distal portion by the first pin, and the trip lever extends between the first arm and the second arm in the frame open position.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of June 8, 2017, application number 201780035190.2, and invention name “Tool Head”. background

[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

[0003] Hydraulic tools may be employed to provide a user with a mechanical advantage. For example, the hydraulic tool may be in the form of a cutting device having a blade for cutting an object into separate components. As another example, the hydraulic tool may be in the form of a crimping device for forming a crimped connection, thereby connecting two separate components by deforming one or both components to hold them together. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tool head includes a first frame having a first arm and a second arm extending from a base to a distal end. The tool head may also include a first blade located between the first arm and the second arm within the frame. The first blade may be moved from the base toward the distal end. The tool head also includes a second frame, which is hingedly connected to the first arm and may include a second blade. The second frame is configured to rotate between a frame closed position and a frame open position. The second frame extends from the first arm to the second arm in the frame closed position to define a cutting area between the first arm and the second arm. The second frame extends away from the second arm in the frame open position to provide an entrance to the cutting area. The tool head also includes a trip lever, which is hingedly connected to the first arm and is configured to rotate between a lever open position and a lever closed position. The trip lever extends from the first arm to the second arm in the lever closed position. The trip lever is located outside the operating area in the lever open position. When the second frame is in the frame closed position, the trip lever is in the lever open position, and when the second frame is in the frame open position, the trip lever is in the lever closed position.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for cutting an object using a tool head is provided. The tool head includes a first frame hingedly connected to a first end of a second frame. The first frame may include a first blade and the second frame may include a second blade. The second end of the second frame is releasably connected to the first frame via a latch. The method includes actuating a release lever to move the latch from a latch closed position to a latch open position. In the latch open position, the latch releases the second end of the second frame from the first frame. In response to actuating the release lever, the method includes rotating at least one of the second frame or the trip lever to move (i) the second frame from a frame closed position to a frame open position and (ii) the trip lever from a lever open position to a lever closed position. The method then includes inserting an object into an operating area of ​​the tool head at a distal end of the first frame. Inserting the object into the operating area moves the trip lever from a lever closed position to a lever open position using the object. In response to moving the trip lever to the lever open position, the second frame moves from a frame open position to a frame closed position and is connected to the first frame via the latch. In response to utilizing the object in the operating area to connect the first frame to the second frame via the latch. The method may further include the step of moving the first blade towards the second blade to cut the object.

[0006] By reading the following detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, these and other aspects, advantages and alternatives will become apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, it should be understood that the descriptions in the Summary of the Invention section and other descriptions in this document are intended to illustrate the claimed subject matter by way of example rather than limitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a side plan view of a tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is used for Figure 1 Exploded view of the tool head of the tool shown in .

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tool head in a closed position.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tool head in the open position.

[0011] Figure 5A is a rear side view of the tool head in the closed position.

[0012] Figure 5B is a rear side view of the tool head in the open position.

[0013] Fig. 6A is a side view of the tool head in a first state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0014] Figure 6B is a side view of the tool head in a second state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0015] Figure 6C is a side view of the tool head in a third state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0016] Fig.6D is a side view of the tool head in a fourth state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0017] Fig. 6E is a side view of the tool head in a fifth state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0018] Fig. 6F is a side view of the tool head in a sixth condition of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0019] Figure 6G is a side view of the tool head in a seventh state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0020] Figure 6H is a side view of the tool head in an eighth state of exemplary operation of the tool head.

[0021] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method for cutting an object according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for operating objects such as wires, cables, pipes, and the like. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a tool head that can be used to cut, crimp, or otherwise operate an object. The tool head includes a trip lever that can advantageously improve ease of use and safety. For example, the trip lever can facilitate opening and closing the tool head, thereby facilitating insertion of an object into an operating area. If the operating area includes a cutting area, the blade can be actuated to cut the object. In addition, when the tool head is in an open state, the trip lever can improve safety by extending through an opening in the cutting area. Tools and methods for acting on objects (i.e., cutting, crimping, etc.) that achieve these and other benefits will now be described.

[0023] Figure 1A cutting tool 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. The cutting tool 10 includes a tool head 12 and an actuator assembly 14. The tool head 12 includes a first frame 16 and a second frame 18. The second frame 18 is movable relative to the first frame 16 so that the tool head 12 can be (i) opened to insert an object into a cutting area 20 of the tool head 12, and (ii) closed to facilitate cutting of the object in the cutting area 20. Specifically, in order to cut the object in the cutting area 20, the tool head 12 includes a first blade 22 slidably disposed in the first frame 16 and a second blade 24 connected to the second frame 18. The first blade 22 is movable from a proximal end 26 of the cutting area 20 to a second blade 24 at a distal end of the cutting area 20. Therefore, the first blade 22 and the second blade 24 can provide a cut-off cutting action. Referring to the following Figure 2-6H The tool head 12 will now be described in detail.

[0024] The actuator assembly 14 is connected to the proximal end of the tool head 12 and is configured to move the first blade 22 distally to cut an object in the cutting area 20. Generally, the actuator assembly 14 can have an actuator body 30 that includes a drive mechanism 32 connected to the first blade 22. For example, the drive mechanism 32 can include a hydraulic pump 34 that moves a ram 36 distally, which applies a corresponding distal motion to the first blade 22. In other examples, the drive mechanism 32 can include additional or alternative devices, such as a screw driven by a motor.

[0025] The drive mechanism 32 may be further connected to an actuator 38, which a user may operate to actuate the drive mechanism 32. For example, the actuator 38 may include a switch that can be moved between a first switch position and a second switch position. When the switch is in the first switch position, the drive mechanism 32 causes the first blade 22 to be in a retracted position. And when the switch is in the second switch position, the drive mechanism 32 causes the first blade 22 to move toward the second blade 24 to cut objects in the cutting area 20. In additional or alternative examples, the actuator 38 may include a pump handle and a release lever. Pumping the pump handle to actuate the drive mechanism causes the ram 36 to move distally, and thereby causes the first blade 22 to move toward the second blade 24. Actuating the release lever causes the first blade 22 to return to the retracted position.

[0026] Figure 2-Figure 4 A tool head 12 according to aspects of the present disclosure is further described. Specifically, Figure 2 An exploded view of the tool head 12 is depicted, Figure 3 A perspective view of the tool head 12 is depicted with the second frame 18 in the frame closed position, Figure 4 A perspective view of the tool head 12 is depicted with the second frame 18 in the frame open position. Figure 2-Figure 4As shown, the first frame 16 has a first arm 40 and a second arm 42 extending from a base 44. The first arm 40 is generally parallel to the second arm 42. The first arm 40 and the second arm 42 are generally of the same length. In this configuration, the first frame 16 is in the form of a U-shaped clip (i.e., U-shaped); however, in other examples, the first frame 16 can have a different form. In addition, although in the example shown, the first frame 16 is formed as a whole from a single piece, in other examples, the first frame 16 can be formed from multiple parts.

[0027] The first blade 22 is slidably disposed within the first frame 16 between the first arm 40 and the second arm 42. For example, the first blade 22 may be slidably disposed between opposing guide channels 45 on the first arm 40 and the second arm 42. Figure 2 As shown, the guide channel 45 can extend generally along the inner surface of the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 in a direction from the proximal end 26 to the distal end 28. As the first blade 22 moves in the cutting area 20, the guide channel 45 can assist in maintaining the alignment of the first blade 22 relative to the second blade 24.

[0028] As described herein, the second blade 24 is connected to the second frame 18. Figure 2-Figure 4 In the embodiment, the second blade 24 is releasably connected to the second frame 18 via one or more first connecting members 46. For example, the second blade 24 and the second frame 18 can each have one or more holes 48, and the first connecting member 46 can extend through the hole to connect the second blade 24 to the second frame 18. By releasably connecting the second blade 24 to the second frame 18, the second blade 24 can be easily replaced and / or repaired. In other examples, the second frame 18 and the second blade 24 can be formed as a whole by a single piece. More generally, the second frame 18 and the second blade 24 can be considered as a second blade assembly.

[0029] The second frame 18 is hingedly connected to the first arm 40 at a first end 50 of the second frame 18. Specifically, the second frame 18 may be Figure 3 The frame closed position shown and Figure 4 In the frame closed position, the second frame 18 extends from the first arm 40 to the second arm 42 such that the cutting area 20 is defined by the first blade 22, the second blade 24, the first arm 40, and the second arm 42. In the frame open position, the second frame 18 extends away from the second arm 42 to provide access to the cutting area 20 at the distal end 28.

[0030] exist Figure 3-Figure 4, the second frame 18 is hingedly connected to the first arm 40 via a first pin 52 extending through a first end 50 of the second frame 18 and a distal portion of the first arm 40. The distal portion of the first arm 40 includes a plurality of tines 54 separated by gaps, the second frame 18 includes a plurality of tines 56, and each tine 56 is disposed in a corresponding gap of the first arm 40. This arrangement helps improve the stability and alignment of the second frame 18 relative to the first frame 16. This in turn helps improve the alignment of the first blade 22 and the second blade 24 during the cutting operation. Despite these benefits, in other examples, the second frame 18 can be hingedly connected to the first arm 40 in a different manner.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, when the second frame 18 is in the frame closed position, the second end 58 of the second frame 18 is releasably connected to the second arm 42 via the latch 60. Generally, the latch 60 is configured to rotate relative to the second arm 42 between (i) a latched closed position and (ii) a latched open position, wherein in the latched closed position, the latch 60 can connect the second arm 42 to the second frame 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the latch open position, the latch 60 releases the second arm 42 from the second frame 18, as Figure 4 For example, the latch 60 may be hingedly connected to the second arm 42 via the second pin 64, and thus the latch 60 may be rotated relative to the second arm 42 around the second pin 64. Figure 4 The latch 60 is shown in the latched open position when the second frame 18 is in the frame open position, but the latch 60 may also be in the latched open position when the second frame 18 is in other positions. Similarly, the latch 60 may be in the latched closed position when the second frame 18 is in the frame open position (as will become apparent from the following description).

[0032] In order to releasably connect the latch 60 to the second frame 18, the latch 60 and the second frame 18 include corresponding retaining structures 62A, 62B. Figure 3 , the latch 60 includes a proximally inclined top surface 62A that engages a distally inclined bottom surface 62B of the second frame 18 when the latch 60 is in the latched closed position and the second frame 18 is in the frame closed position. The spacing of the inclined surfaces 62A, 62B is configured so that when the latch 60 is moved to the latched open position, the surface 62A of the latch 60 can be released from the surface 62B of the second frame 18. Similarly, the spacing of the inclined surfaces 62A, 62B is configured so that when the second frame 18 is in the frame closed position and the latch 60 is in the latched closed position, the engagement between the surface 62A and the surface 62B prevents the second frame 18 from rotating.

[0033] The release lever 66 is connected to the latch 60 and is operable to move the latch 60 from the latched closed position to the latched open position. The release lever 66 may be hingedly connected to the second arm 42 via a second pin 64 so that the release lever 66 and the latch 60 pivot about a common pivot point. Figure 2-Figure 4 6, the release lever 66 receives the proximal portion of the latch 60 in a slot 68 on the inner side of the release lever 66. In this arrangement, the slot 68 engages the proximal portion of the latch 60 so that rotation of the release lever 66 causes the latch 60 to rotate accordingly. The release lever 66 can thus be operated by a user to release the second frame 18 from the latch 60 and the second arm 42 so that the second frame 18 can be moved from the Figure 3 The frame closed position shown in the Figure 4 The frame is shown in the open position.

[0034] The latch 60 can be biased toward the latched closed position by a biasing member. For example, the biasing member can be a spring 70 extending between the second arm 18 and the latch 60 that biases the latch 60 toward the latched closed position. Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a rear side view of the tool head 12 showing the spring 70. Specifically, Figure 5A The spring 70 is shown when the latch 60 is in the latched closed position, and Figure 5B The spring 70 is shown when the latch 60 is in the latched unlatched position. Figure 5A-Figure 5B As shown, the spring 70 extends between a top surface 72 on the proximal portion of the latch 60 and a bottom surface 74 on the distal portion of the second arm 18. Since the second arm 42 is fixed and the latch 60 is rotatable, the spring 70 applies a biasing force directed from the second arm 42 toward the proximal portion of the latch 60. In this arrangement, the spring 70 thus biases the latch 60 to rotate in the Figure 5A-Figure 5B Turn counterclockwise toward the latched closed position.

[0035] See again Figure 2-Figure 4 The tool head 12 also includes a trip lever 76 hingedly connected to the first arm 40 (e.g., via the first pin 52). Specifically, the trip lever 76 is operable to (i) Figure 3 The lever is in the open position as shown and (ii) Figure 4 In the lever open position, the trip lever 76 is located outside the cutting area 20. For example, in Figure 3 In the lever open position shown, the trip lever 76 extends generally parallel to the first arm 40. Since the trip lever 76 is located outside the cutting area 20 in the lever open position, the trip lever 76 does not affect or hinder the first blade 22 and the second blade 24 from cutting objects in the cutting area 20. In the lever closed position, the trip lever 76 extends into the cutting area 20. For example, in Figure 4In the lever closed position shown, the trip lever 76 extends from the first arm 40 to the second arm 42. More specifically, in Figure 4 In the illustrated lever closed position, the trip lever 76 is generally perpendicular to the first arm 40 and the second arm 42 .

[0036] The trip lever 76 is fixedly connected to the second frame 18 (e.g., the peg 78 can fixedly connect the distal portion 79 of the trip lever 76 to the hole 81 of the second frame 118). Therefore, when the second frame 18 is in the frame closed position, the trip lever 76 is in the lever open position, and when the second frame 18 is in the frame open position, the trip lever 76 is in the lever closed position. In addition, moving the second frame 18 from the frame closed position to the frame open position causes the trip lever 76 to move from the lever open position to the lever closed position. Moving the trip lever 76 from the lever closed position to the lever open position causes the second frame 18 to move from the frame open position to the frame closed position. Therefore, the user can use the trip lever 76 as an actuator for moving the second frame 18. The trip lever 76 may include a gripping portion 83 to facilitate such an application of the trip lever 76.

[0037] To help position and / or maintain the trip lever 76 in the lever open position and the lever closed position, the trip lever 76 includes a first retaining structure 80A, which is configured to (i) engage the second retaining structure 80B of the second frame 18 in the lever open position, and (ii) engage the third retaining structure 80C of the second frame 18 in the lever closed position. For example, the first retaining structure 80A, the second retaining structure 80B, and the third retaining structure 80C can be a ball brake system. In an exemplary implementation, the first retaining structure 80A can be a ball, and the second retaining structure 80B and the third retaining structure 80C are brakes.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the first frame 16 also includes a channel 82 extending through the base 44. When the tool head 12 is connected to the actuator assembly 14, the ram 36 can extend through the channel 82 and connect to the first blade 22 of the first frame 16. In this way, the ram 36 can be moved distally through the channel 44, thereby moving the first blade 22 toward the second blade 24. As an example, the first blade 22 can be releasably connected to the ram 36 by one or more second connecting members 88 (e.g., releasable pins or screws). This can allow the first blade 22 to be replaced and / or repaired, and / or facilitate removable connection of the tool head 12 to the actuator assembly 14.

[0039] Also like Figure 2As shown, the tool head 12 includes a stop member 84 disposed in the channel 82 of the first frame 16. The stop member 84 includes a hole 86 through which the ram 36 can pass to move the first blade 22 a predetermined stroke length during a cutting operation. At the end of the stroke, the ram 36 engages the stop member 84 to inhibit (or prevent) further distal movement of the ram 36. The size and / or shape of the hole 86 and the ram 36 can therefore be configured to stop the distal movement of the ram 36 after reaching the predetermined stroke length.

[0040] As one example, the stop member 84 can be annular and the ram 36 can have a wavy or tapered outer surface such that the ram 36 can freely pass through the aperture 86 during travel, but then further distal movement of the ram 36 is inhibited because the outer surface of the ram 36 engages the stop member 84 at the end of travel. The ram 36 can additionally or alternatively include other features for engaging the stop member 84, such as protrusions on the outer surface of the ram 36.

[0041] In the example shown, the stop member 84 is connected to the first frame 16. This can facilitate manufacturing and assembly. The stop member 84 can be made of a material that can withstand the force applied to the stop member 84 by the ram 36. The material of the stop member 84 can be different from the material of the first frame 16. For example, the first frame 16 can be made of aluminum and the stop member 84 can be made of steel. In other examples, the first frame 16 and the stop member 84 can be made of the same material, and / or the first frame 16 and the stop member 84 can be formed as a whole from a single piece.

[0042] The tool 10 may also include a return spring (not shown) configured to bias the first blade 22 in a proximal direction toward the Figure 3-Figure 4 , shown in the retracted position. Thus, upon completion of the distal stroke of the ram 36 (during a cutting operation), the return spring can return the first blade 22 to its retracted position. In some aspects, the stop member 84 can be configured to retain one end of the return spring to help mitigate movement of the return spring that otherwise could cause the first blade 22 and / or the ram 36 to become stuck. In one embodiment, one end of the spring is contained within the inner diameter of the cup-shaped side of the stop member. The other end of the spring is limited in outer diameter by the cylindrical wall and in inner diameter by the outer diameter of the ram, and pushes the ram bias in an axial direction toward the retraction of the ram.

[0043] Figure 6A-6H An exemplary operation of the tool head 12 according to aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Fig. 6AThe tool head 12 is depicted with the second frame 18 secured in the frame closed position via the latch 60 in the latch closed position. With the second frame 18 in the frame closed position, the trip lever 76 is in the lever open position. The second frame 18 and the trip lever 76 are retained in the frame closed position and the lever open position, respectively, by the engagement of the first retaining structure 80A and the second retaining structure 80B. Additionally, in Fig. 6A 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first blade 22 is in a retracted position at the proximal end 26 of the cutting region 20. As shown in FIG.

[0044] Figure 6B The second frame 18 is shown in an intermediate position between the frame closed position and the frame open position. Fig. 6A The state shown transitions to Figure 6B In the state shown, the user can (i) actuate the release lever 66 to move the latch 60 from the latched closed position to the latched unlatched position and (ii) manually move the second frame 18 and / or the trip lever 76 with a force sufficient to overcome the engagement between the first retention structure 80A and the second retention structure 80B. For example, moving the latch 60 to the latched unlatched position will release the second frame 18 from the second arm 44, which allows the second frame 18 to move to the intermediate position. Figure 6B As shown, due to the connection between the trip lever 76 and the second frame 18 via the peg 78, the trip lever 76 is in a position corresponding to the intermediate position of the second frame 18. Therefore, the trip lever 76 partially extends into the cutting area 20 at the intermediate position. As described above, the user can move the second frame 18 to the intermediate position by manually moving the second frame 18 and / or manually moving the trip lever 76.

[0045] Figure 6C The tool head 12 is shown after the second frame 18 and the trip lever 76 have been rotated to the frame open position and the lever closed position, respectively. The trip lever 76 is retained in the lever closed position by the engagement between the first retaining structure 80A and the third retaining structure 80C. In addition, in the lever closed position, the trip lever 76 extends into the cutting area 20 at the distal end 28. In this manner, the trip lever 76 is positioned so that when an object is inserted into the cutting area 20 via the distal end 28, the trip lever 76 can be engaged. As also shown in FIG. Figure 6C As shown, the latch 60 returns to the latched closed position due to the biasing force applied to the latch 60 by the biasing member 70 .

[0046] Fig.6D The tool head 12 is shown when an object 90 (e.g., wire, connector, cable, pipe, etc.) is initially inserted into the operating area at the distal end 28. If the tool head 12 includes a cutting head, the operating area includes the cutting area 20. Fig.6DAs shown, the object 90 engages the trip lever 76 at the distal end 28. The force applied by the object 90 to the trip lever 76 overcomes the retention force between the first retention structure 80A and the third retention structure 80C. Therefore, inserting the object 90 into the cutting area 20 causes the trip lever 76 and the second frame 18 to rotate toward the lever open position and the frame closed position, respectively.

[0047] Fig. 6E The tool head 12 is shown as the object 90 is further inserted into the cutting area 20. Fig. 6E As shown, further insertion of the object 90 into the cutting area 20 causes the trip lever 76 and the second frame 18 to move further toward the latched open position and the frame closed position, respectively. Therefore, when the object 90 is inserted into the cutting area 20, the trip lever 76 facilitates closing the second frame 18 behind the object 90. However, in some additional or alternative examples, the second frame 18 can be configured to partially or completely close under gravity once the trip lever 76 initially moves from the lever closed position toward the lever open position (i.e., in response to overcoming the retaining force between the first retaining structure 80A and the third retaining structure 80C).

[0048] Fig. 6F The tool head 12 is shown when the second frame 18 is initially engaged with the latch 60. Fig. 6F As shown, the second frame 18 applies a force to the latch 60 that counteracts the biasing force applied to the latch 60 by the biasing member 70. As a result, the second frame 18 moves toward the latch open position. The second frame 18 further moves the latch 60 until the inclined surface 62B passes over the inclined surface 62A, at which point the latch 60 moves back to the latch closed position (via the biasing member 70) to connect the second frame 18 to the second arm 42 of the first frame 16, as shown in FIG. Figure 6G shown.

[0049] With the object 90 inserted into the cutting area 20 and the second frame 18 connected to the first frame 16 (via the latch 60), the drive mechanism 32 can be actuated to move the first blade 22 from the retracted position toward the second blade 24. As the first blade 22 moves distally toward the second blade 24, the object 90 is cut into individual components by the first blade 22 and the second blade 24 in a severing manner. Figure 6H The tool head 12 is shown with the first blade 22 in a distal position after cutting an object 90 .

[0050] Figure 7A flow chart of an exemplary method 100 for cutting an object using the cutting tool 10 described above is depicted. As described above, the cutting tool includes a tool head having a first frame hingedly connected to a second frame at a first end. The second end of the second frame is releasably connected to the first frame via a latch. The tool head also includes a release lever and a trip lever as described above. In the case where the tool includes a cutting tool, the first frame will be configured to include a first blade, and the second frame will be configured to include a second blade.

[0051] At frame 110, the method includes actuating a release lever to move the latch from a latched closed position to a latched open position. The latch releases the second end of the second frame from the first frame in the latched open position. At frame 112, in response to actuation of the release lever, the method includes rotating at least one of the second frame or the trip lever so that (i) the second frame moves from a frame closed position to a frame open position and (ii) the trip lever moves from a lever open position to a lever closed position. At frame 114, an object is inserted into the operating area of ​​the tool head at the distal end of the first frame. The object is inserted into the operating area to move the trip lever from the lever closed position to the lever open position using the object. At frame 116, in response to moving the trip lever to the lever open position, the second frame moves from the frame open position to the frame closed position and is connected to the first frame via the latch. At frame 118, in response to connecting the first frame to the second frame via the latch using the object in the operating area, the method includes (for a cutting tool) moving the first blade toward the second blade to cut the object.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments have been described above. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The description of different advantageous embodiments has been given for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. As just one example, the tool head may include a cutting tool head for use with a hydraulic tool, although other tool heads (e.g., a crimping tool head) may also be used.

[0053] Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, different advantageous embodiments may provide different advantages over other advantageous embodiments. The selected embodiment or embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosure of different embodiments (together with various variations suitable for the particular application contemplated).

Claims

1. A tool head for a cutting tool, comprising: a first frame having a base; a first arm extending from the base and having a first distal portion, the first distal portion of the first arm having a plurality of tines separated by at least one gap; a second arm extending from the base and having a second distal portion; a second frame hingedly connected to the first arm at the first distal portion by a first pin and configured to rotate between a frame closed position and a frame open position, the second frame extending between the first arm and the second arm in the frame closed position to enclose an operating area between the first arm and the second arm, wherein the second frame extends away from the second arm in the frame open position to provide access to the operating area; as well as a trip lever hingedly connected to the first arm at the first distal portion by the first pin, and the trip lever is configured to rotate between a lever open position and a lever closed position, wherein the trip lever is connected to the first arm at an outer surface of the first distal portion of the first arm so that the trip lever is located outside the at least one gap in both the lever open position and the lever closed position, wherein the trip lever extends between the first arm and the second arm in the frame open position, wherein the trip lever is located outside the operating area in the lever open position, wherein the first arm has a first surface facing the operating area, wherein in the lever open position, the trip lever does not extend beyond the first surface into the operating area so that when the trip lever is in the lever open position, the trip lever is not placed between the first arm and the second arm of the first frame, wherein when the second frame is in the frame closed position, the trip lever is in the lever open position, and when the second frame is in the frame open position, the trip lever is in the lever closed position.

2. The tool head of claim 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm are parallel.

3. The tool head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tines includes a first tine, a second tine, and a third tine separated by the at least one gap and a second gap.

4. The tool head of claim 1, wherein the trip lever extends parallel to the first arm in the frame closed position.

5. The tool head of claim 1, wherein the trip lever includes a gripping portion and is configured as an actuator to move the second frame.

6. The tool head according to claim 1, further comprising: a latch configured to releasably connect the second frame to the second arm when the second frame is in the frame closed position, Wherein the latch is hingedly connected to the second arm via a second pin and is configured to rotate between a latched closed position and a latched unlatched position.

7. A tool head for a cutting tool, comprising: a first frame having a base and a first tool having a first cutting blade; a first arm extending from the base and having a plurality of tines separated by a first gap and a second gap; a second arm extending from the base; a second frame hingedly connected to the first arm and having a second cutting blade configured to provide a cut-off cutting action with the first cutting blade; A trip lever, which is hingedly connected to the first arm and fixedly connected to the second frame and is configured to rotate between a lever open position and a lever closed position, and the trip lever is connected to the first arm at an outer surface of the first arm outside the first gap and the second gap, so that the trip lever is located outside the first gap and the second gap both in the lever open position and in the lever closed position.

8. The tool head of claim 7, wherein the trip lever has a first retaining structure and the first frame has a second retaining structure and a third retaining structure, the first retaining structure being configured to engage the second retaining structure when the trip lever is in a lever-open position, and the first retaining structure being configured to engage the third retaining structure when the trip lever is in a lever-closed position, The trip lever extends parallel to the first arm in the lever open position, and The trip lever extends between the first arm and the second arm in the lever closed position.

9. The tool head of claim 7, wherein the first cutting blade is slidably disposed in the first frame and the second cutting blade is connected to the second frame, and The cutting area is defined between the first cutting blade, the second cutting blade, the first arm and the second arm.

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